Local News for Sunday, December 16

Published on December 16 2012 6:43 am
Last Updated on July 14 2013 12:07 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

A welcome home reception and parade will be held in Teutopolis today for the 8th grade girls basketball team and coaches and managers. The squad won the 8-3A state championship Thursday night.

The celebration will begin with a fire truck ride and parade through Teutopolis at 1:45pm. The procession will then head for Teutopolis Junior High School for a brief ceremony at 2:15pm. A cake and punch reception will follow at 2:40pm.

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Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is applauding the National Transportation Safety Board for its recommendation that all states require Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices on the cars of first-time DUI offenders. Illinois has had such a law in effect since 2009, the second state in the nation to do so.

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The St. Anthony High School Winter Chorus Concert will be held today.

The concert will begin at 2pm at St. Anthony Catholic Church.

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District 12 Illinois State Police has announced results of the recent special traffic enforcement patrols conducted in Effingham County during November.

State police made one DUI arrest and two other alcohol or drug-related arrests and issued 97 speeding citations.

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Santa will be in his house on the lawn of the Old Courthouse in downtown Effingham today. The jolly old elf will be there from 1 to 4pm.

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The Illinois Commerce Commission is warning people about a new utility scam. Spokesperson Beth Bosch says some people have been receiving bogus phone calls, e-mails, and text messages claiming their utility services will be disconnected unless they make a payment. Some of the scammers are even showing up at customers' doors. Bosch urges customers not to fall for the scam. She says utility companies will notify customers before they come out to disconnect service.

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Today is the deadline for the Stewardson Community Christmas Lighting Contest. Judges' choice award winners will be announced today at 3pm.

In the meantime, you can enjoy cookies and cocoa with Santa today at the Stewardson Santa House from 1-3pm.

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The state of Illinois has more than 75,000 new military veterans. Officials say the troops returning home to Illinois from tours-of-duty in Iraq and Afghanistan share many characteristics. They're mostly young, typically suffer physical or mental wounds and many face financial hardships. A report by the Social IMPACT Research Center says more than 75% of new military vets in Illinois are younger than 30 years old, while 17% are female.

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You're invited to join Edgewood Full Gospel Church for a Walk Thru Bethlehem this morning. Church members say you can experience the city of Bethlehem like it was the night that baby Jesus was born. There will be several places to see with crafts for the kids and live animals in the stable. Everyone is invited to the event, which will run from 10am to noon today, and admission is free. The church is located along Illinois 37 in Edgewood.

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Illinois US Senator Mark Kirk is returning to Washington next month, almost a year after suffering a stroke. Congressman Randy Hultgren told the Chicago Tribune he's very grateful for Kirk's recovery and that there's going to be a big party to welcome him back. Kirk has been focused on his recovery since his release from the hospital in May. He did walk up 37 floors of Chicago's Willis Tower last month to raise money for the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.

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The Teutopolis Knights of Columbus family Christmas party is going to be today from 1 to 4pm. Santa is to arrive at 1:30pm. The event is open to all Teutopolis KC members and the families.

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Anyone in Illinois who's been receiving unemployment benefits for more than 25 weeks won't get a check come January 1. State officials say the federal emergency unemployment program is ending at the end of the year. Those who are impacted will be contacted individually. In the meantime, people can browse job openings and upload current resumes at IllinoisJobLink.gov.

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Immanuel Lutheran Church in Altamont will present the cantata "A Savior! The Trees The Story" this morning at 9:00. Pre-service music will start at 8:30am at the church located at 203 East Division Street in Altamont.

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High school graduates in Illinois are among the top in the nation when it comes to getting a diploma. The US Department of Education reports 84% of students graduated in the 2010-2011 school year. That puts Illinois in the Top 10 in the nation.

Not all the news is good, though. Only 1,259 of the state's 3,800 schools met Adequate Yearly Progress standards during that same year.

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Centenary United Methodist Church's Alleluia Choir will present the cantata "Shout the Good News" at both worship services this morning. Service times are 8:15am and 10:45am at the church located at 3rd and Grove in Effingham.

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The Illinois Old-Time Fiddlers Christmas Party will be today at the Lions Community Building in Shelbyville. The event will run from 2 to 5pm. Along with the regular jam session, cookies, punch and other goodies will be available. Guests from the North Pole are also to stop by.

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Watson Baptist Church's Adult Choir will present the musical "Come See the Lamb" during their morning worship today. The presentation will begin at 10:30am. There will be another presentation on Saturday, December 22 at 6pm.

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St. Paul Lutheran Church along Route 40 on the west edge of Altamont will host an Open House for their church building and parsonage today from 1 to 5pm. Christmas trees as well as nativity sets from various settings will be on display. A free will offering will be received to donate to Lutheran Care Center. Refreshments will be served in the parish hall. The plan is for a festive atmosphere reflecting the late 19th Century and early 20th Century.